Tuesday, June 24, 2008

First Rhubarb Pie of the Season

Although Sophia and Olivia had already harvested the first rhubarb of the season last month, today was the day to make rhubarb pies. 3 of them. 2 standard 9" pies, and one miniature pie.

The pies needed 9 cups of chopped rhubarb. That's quite a bit once you start chopping.

I make pie crusts from scratch...an old recipe from my Grandma...that uses lard, flour, salt, sugar, and water. Instead of all-purpose flour, I used a trio of flours today: all-purpose, whole wheat, and bread flours.

Although the pie was fine (thanks to a Betty Crocker recipe), the crust wasn't as light and flaky as it is normally. So much for trying to make something a bit more healthy. Next time it will be back to the unhealthy (but tastier) pie crust.

In addition to the rhubarb, the strawberries are producing this year which is great. Fresh from the garden, organic strawberries. The flavor is incredible!

It looks like it will be a bumper crop for the raspberries this year. Over half of the raspberries are transplanted wild ones that Sophia and I planted last year. (They were next to the road that kept getting mowed by the township mower...or eaten by people walking their dogs.)

Looks like we'll be making lots of raspberry jam this summer...a favorite one that we enjoy all winter long.

Summer is a great time for the girls in terms of homeschooling. There are so many hands-on lessons that they are able to do - especially related to gardening, nature, and science. Home economics and cooking is a big part of summer as well as they learn the old-fashioned skills - like canning - that they can enjoy now and as an adult.

1 comment:

i loved baking with my daughter when she was little. mmmm love rhubarb pies!! i agree, there are just somethings you cant make healthy, and pie is one of them!!i found a great recipe for a crumble that is quick and uses any kind of fruit you may have....email me if you would like it

Welcome from

My name is Ann, and I'm a mom to two daughters who were adopted from China. I'm also a crafter; writer; and someone who always seems to have a camera in hand.
In this space, I share some articles and photos about homeschooling; frugal living; arts and crafts; cooking; nature walks; natural living; books; and needlework.
See what inspires the creation of products available through Harvest Moon by Hand.
If you would like to contact me or have any questions, please leave a comment on a post with your email address and/or contact information.
Look around, make yourself comfortable, and enjoy your stay. I'm so glad you're here!